If the coffee is hot, I would argue it is worse than beating or slapping. So I'm not so surprised. On the other hand the consequences should in any case be limited since people can do some physical harm in a fit of rage.
Getting burned by a hot liquid like coffee can lead to severe injury. But don't underestimate the danger of getting beat to the head. It's very common in popular media, but very dangerous in real life.
Okay, so maybe this was an overreaction then? But also an investigation might be opened due to a slight slap and be also an overreaction. I find it difficult to blame the university for a suicide that happened before an investigation was even concluded. It sounds to me like blaming a court of law before a ruling has been made.
